British Air Force Typhoon FGR4s have operated alongside French aircraft in a joint strike on an subterranean weapons facility in Syrian territory used by the Islamic State group (IS), as stated by the UK Ministry of Defence.
The site, pinpointed through surveillance, was believed to be containing munitions and bombs, the statement said, and was situated in mountainous terrain just to the north of the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria.
"The RAF jets utilized precision-guided Paveway IV munitions to hit a several access tunnels providing entry to the facility... early reports are that the strike was effective," the MoD said.
There was no sign of any harm to civilians in the operation late on Saturday and all the aircraft returned safely, the ministry further stated.
The Typhoon fighters were backed up by a Voyager tanker plane.
IS - alternatively referred to as ISIS - enforced jihadist rule over significant areas in Syria and Iraq before its territorial defeat in 2019.
"This action underscores British leadership, and commitment to work closely with our partners, to eliminate any re-emergence of Daesh and their violent and radical beliefs in the area," Britain's Defence Chief the Defence Secretary said.
RAF aircraft have performed surveillance missions over Syria to "prevent any efforts to regroup" of the group after its military defeat at the battle of Baghuz in the year 2019, the authorities noted.
"I must thank all the members of British forces who took part in this strike for their expertise and their valour," the Defence Secretary said. "They were among thousands of British personnel on duty over Christmas and New Year. This operation, to eliminate terrorist threats who threaten our way of life, demonstrates how UK forces are always on standby, continuously, ensuring Britain's security at home and powerful internationally."
In December, the US military executed what it called a "large-scale strike" against IS targets in Syria, following an ambush killed two American soldiers and a local interpreter in the Palmyra area.
The UN says IS still maintains roughly 5-7 thousand militants in both countries.
